Oba Abimbola Ajibola, The Otun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, on Tuesday, while addressing newsmen at his Sanyo residence disclosed that the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is not totally free from the illness that has kept him away from public domain and not physically fit to rule at the moment.
According to him, he said, “What is in need for hurry? Someone (Olakulehin) we have not seen. He has not spoken with us. He has not spoken with Ibadan people.
“I am his second in command, I’m his lieutenant. He has not called me to say, ‘My Otun, I’m back. So, tell your people. And when are you seeing me?’ They are just forcing him because of their own selfish interest.”
Speaking further, he made reference to the meeting held at the private residence of Chief Bode Amoo at Agodi Government Reserved Area in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday, he said, “They said we called a meeting and we have endorsed him (Olakulehin). I’m not part of that. I’ve told them my mind that I won’t be part of that illegality. We know Baba Olakulehin is the next Olubadan, but let us allow him to get well.
“Has anybody seen him since last Friday? Those who went there after Friday were unable to see him. They are forcing this man. We should allow him to get well.”
“You journalists too should go and interview him (Olakulehin). You should remember during the time of Oba Balogun, he was in Mapo and debunked the rumour that he was blind and deaf. Olakulehin is being packaged. He cannot recognise anybody. Where has he spoken? Who did he speak to? Even those (crowned obas) who went there just sat down.
“They didn’t say anything. We know he is our leader and they told me before visiting him last Friday but I told them Baba has not called me. I wish the best for Ibadan, but let’s follow due process. That’s what we are saying,” he insisted.
He further explained that no one has seen the Olúbàdàn-designate since last Friday.
“Those who went there, even the lawyer said they didn’t see him. So, this is not about nomination. Allow this man to get well. Let him be physically fit. No law says if you don’t nominate Oba in Ibadan before 21 days, you won’t nominate Oba again in Ibadan or that’s the end of the world.
“The governor has a say. He is the custodian of the law. He is the chief executive of this state. I’ve asked them why they are in haste. They came here and I told them, why are you rushing this man? I said the man is not okay now.”
A week ago, the son of the Olubadan-designate denied rumours of his father’s ill health, with a promise that he’d be seen in public domain. He appeared, and that brought some calmness to the minds of the residents of the historic and ancient city who raised hopes of having a coronation in no distant time.
His appearance coincided with the visit of some Kingmakers who declared him fit for the role of the Olubadan as opposed to the latest being revealed by the Otun Balogun.
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